Plowing the Hills of Calvaro

Introduction

This a parable story suitable for middle school students and above about the following excerpt from Matthew 11: 28-30.  Questions follow. 

28  “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

29   Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Story and questions copyright 2024 Don Grier.

The Yoking

I remember the conversation as clearly as yesterday when I was told that Jesús and I would be harnessed together for the plowing season. 

“I can’t believe Farmer Hector yoked me to old Jesús,” I neighed to my friend Buck.  “What is the Farmer thinking?  Does he want to plow the pasture all Spring? To leave the pasture fallow at harvest time.  I thought he would pick someone young and strong like you, Buck, or Diablo since we would get it done quickly.  What is he thinking?”

Stumble then Learn

But in hindsight, I was wrong! Jesús slowed me down initially when I was galloping too fast.  But I soon realized slower was better in the rocky pasture, where stones can splinter a hoof, as I did one brisk morning when I felt frisky.  But to my surprise, old Jesús pulled us long and more than made up for my injury during the days I was recovering.

After I was healed, I was ready and raring to go. Jesús, let me plod on, seeming to take no interest in our work.   He let me carry a good bit of the load since I had learned my lesson about the rocks and looked to avoid them. It tested my patience and resilience, but I was determined to do my best. 

Jesús’s seeming lack of interest worried me as we approached the Hill of Calvaro.  With the end of spring coming, we had just a few days left to get the plowing done. Farmer Hector loved to terrace the hill because the crops grew better in the cooler climate. 

Climbing the Hill of Calvaro

Jesús again surprised me as he picked up the pace. It took both of us to pull up that devilish hill. I saw Jesús matching my steps and pulling me forward when I faltered. The last drive took all Jesús had, but he did not complain as he lay panting and heaving.  Until, at last, his heart gave out just as we crested the Hill of Cavaro.  Farmer Hector buried him there where he fell, on that hallowed hill.  Jesús died at 33 years, a ripe age for a plow horse.

The Lesson

A few days later (three, I think), Farmer Hector and I stopped at a lake before returning to the homestead. We looked up and were amazed.  In the deep blue sky was one lone cloud shaped like old Jesús.  Farmer Hector said under his breath, “Could it be?”  He just shook his head doubtfully.  But I could have sworn, in the whispering wind, I heard Jesús whinny, “Remember.” 

And I have tried to remember!  I may not be as patient and as strong as old Jesús.  Nor has the harvest from the fields I have plowed ever matched our harvest that Autumn.  But I try as best I can to impart the lessons that I learned while yoked to Jesús.

Questions

1. Think of a time when you did something without Jesus by your side. How did that turn out?

2. Now, how about a time when Jesus carried the load for you?

3. Have you ever thought that Jesus was no longer with you? In hindsight, was that a time for growth?

4. What crosses do you have, and how might walking yoked to Jesus help you?